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Recognised Voluntary Association in terms of Section 36(1) of the Engineering Professions Act . Educom fulfills a requirement for Continued Professional Development as specified in the Act No.46 of 2000
T E C H N I C A L E D U C A T I O N C O M M U N I C A T I O N
Journal No. 111 November 2016
NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: Chairman: Ronnie Branders; Dep/Chair: Robert Mpai;
Treasurer: David Kleinhans; Secretary: Ms Bonnie Peden; Exco: Willem du Toit; Peter Murray; Bruno
Isler; Eugene Fereira; Clifford Kleinhans; Mickey Martin;
DOYENS OF THE LIFT INDUSTRY: Buddie Ceronie (2004)†; Schalk v/d Merwe (2005)†; Dr Theo
Kleinhans (2006 & 2011); Willem du Toit (2008 & 2015); Bruno Isler (2009 & 2016); Alfie da Silva
(2010); Manny Perreira (2010); Peter Murray (2012); Sanjeev Singh (2013); Rodney Coetzee
(Posthumous 2014); Billy Clifton (2014);
CURRENT & PAST CHAIRMEN: Steve Le Roux (1995-7)(†); Dr Theo Kleinhans (1997-2003); Ben
Peyper (2003-6)(†); Sanjeev Singh (2006-2015); Ronnie Branders;
INDEX
ILIASA AGM
Lift Inspector Photographic Portfolios
From Willem du Toit’s Desk … Rope Failures Knowledge of the OHSAct: Lift Service Providers
60-Day Non-Compliance Corrective Action
Qualification to Inspect & Issue Annex B’s
Lift Industry Inspection Compliance Non-Complying Service Providers Risk Assessment Guidelines for Lift & Escalator Regulations
From Willem du Toot’s Desk (continued) Kennis van die Beroepsveiligheidswet
Eksponensiële Verswakkende Hyserdiens Willem du Toit’s 3rd Surveilance Assessment
Consultant Lift Engineers LIASA ‘Dangerous Situation’ Web LIASA - We are on the Web LIASA Contact Details
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Educom
ILIASA OCTOBER 2016 AGM
ESTABLISHED JANUARY 2003
The ILIASA AGM was held at the Jeppe Quandam conference centre
on Tuesday 11th October 2016. 34 Members and special guests at-
tended, including Mr Mohlakola Monyaki, DoL Specialist and Mrs
Linda Grundlingh, SANAS Accreditation Manager : Inspection.
DOYEN of the YEAR
Bruno Isler was awarded
this prestigious ILIASA
trophy for his undaunted
efforts to re-invest into the
South African Lift Industry
that which has made a tan-
gible difference.
As chair-person of the
SABS Lift Technical Com-
mittee for the past two dec-
ades, Bruno has spear-
headed all the SANS stan-
dards pertaining to lifts,
escalators and moving
walks. He also represented
South Africa in this regard
at the international con-
gresses with distinction.
Recognised Voluntary Association in terms of Section 36(1) of the Engineering Professions Act . Educom fulfills a requirement for Continued Professional Development as specified in the Act No.46 of 2000
ILIASA Chairman Mr Ronnie Branders presided over the
AGM, with a full committee and quorum present. Several
senior Lift Industry consultants attended. The following
members received special merit awards …
Mickey Martin received his citation including a cash voucher
for his special efforts in developing his own formally accred-
ited Lift Training Centre. His focus is to uplift Supervisory,
Artisan and Operator technical levels of practical and techni-
cal expertise.
Eugene Ferreira received his citation including a cash voucher
for his special efforts in developing a generic Lift Industry
checklist for adoption by all SANAS accredited AIA’s.
Clifford Kleinhans received his citation including a cash
voucher for his special efforts in serving on all the develop-
mental sub-committees, but more especially for undertaking to
Page 2
lecture on future TUT Lift Inspector courses. He attended the
recent course held by Willem du Toit, without remuneration,
simply to get hands-on experience of running such a course.
ECSA LIRC REPORTBACK
Sanjeev Singh, ILIASA representative on the Engineering
Council’s LIRC RLI evaluation committee as well as Central
Registration Committee, reported back on the latest happen-
ings at ECSA.
Scheduled LIRC Meetings : Due to the drop in applica-
tions for RLI’s (lift inspectors), ECSA has ceased with
formal bi-monthly evaluation meetings. Evaluation is
now effected over e-mail correspondence, where a mini-
mum of 3 (but normally 5) LIRC members will evaluate
an application according to the ECSA norms, forwarding
their results to Sanjeev. He in turn collates the results and
sends them, together with the separate evalution sheets, to
ECSA, nominating either registration or rejection. In each
case a full reason for the nomination has to be included.
Lengthy Application Evaluation Process : Sanjeev
commented on the claimed long evaluation system, stat-
ing that in general evaluation and feedback is achived
within 4 to 4,5 weeks. The Central Registration Commit-
tee is the restricting orifice as every nomination requires
full scrutiny and acceptance, since final acceptance leads
to professional registration in whatever cadre. He urged
members to submit applications without waiting for the
next scheduled meetings, as this has in the past proved to
be the major hold-up.
Notice of Appeal : Sanjeev explained that any person
may appeal if rejected, bearing in mind that such appeal
is equal to an application costs because of the extensive
process of such appeal, requiring special meetings of ap-
peal to be held at ECSA with the nominated professionals
attending and their cost. He explained the effort in really
giving every applicant a fair chance to register, even call-
ing them in for interview to explain certain anomalies.
Future RLI Registration : Sanjeev advised of ECSA’s
proposed shift to an on-line application system in the
very near future, where all the applicant’s details are en-
tered on-line for his specific cadre of registration. Evalua-
tion is then effected by pre-nominated committee mem-
bers who vary per application, to ensure a fair and unbi-
ased evaluation. The peer evaluation as we know it then
falls away.
Limited Specified Scope : Sanjeev explained ECSA’s
rationale in registering specified scopes (non-broadband)
of registration. Currently these limited specified scopes of
registrations are defined within 4 categories …
- Registered Lift Inspector (RLI)
- Lifting Machinery Inspector (LMI)
- Medical Equipment Inspector (MEI)
- Fire Equipment Inspector (FEI).
ILIASA AGM - 11th OCTOBER 2016
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Page 3
ECSA foresee these special registration categories being
renamed as ‘Special Category Practitioner’ with sub-
categories for lift, lifting equipment, medical and fire equip-
ment inspectorates. He will keep us informed.
SA Bureau of Standards
Peter Murray gave the meeting a short run-down on the cur-
rent SANS standards in-hand. He specifically focused on …
DM17 Hoists: In his opening gambit Peter elucidated
on the withdrawal of the OHSAct Machinery’s DM17
for ‘hoists’ on 30th March 2015, which is now effec-
tively covered under SANS 1545:5 Access-only Goods
Lifts.
SANS 1545-3 Stairlift Platforms: This standard is
being totally reviewed and on hold as the proposals
have been sent out for ballot
SANS 1545-4 Vertical Lifting Platforms: This stan-
dard has been replaced by SANS 1545-4:2006, with-
drawn in March 2015
SANS 1545-7 Dumb Waiters: This standard is on
hold, having been sent out for ballot
SANS 1545-8 Funiculars: This standard is in hand
Peter discussed the latest SANS standards of which copies
are available from SABS or through ILIASA (special re-
duced fee …
SANS 50081-1 Electric Lifts
SANS 50081-2 Hydraulic Lifts
SANS 50081-3 Electric & Hydraulic service lifts
SANS 50081-21 New passenger & goods lifts in existing
buildings
SANS 50081-31 Access-only goods lifts
SANS 50081-70 Accessibility to lifts for persons with dis-
abilities
SANS 50081-72 Firefighting lifts
SANS 50081-80 Rules for improvement of existing passen-
ger & goods lifts
SANS 21-1 Escalators
SANS 50081-41:2015 NOTE! Replaces SANS 1545-
4:2006
SANAS
Mrs Linda Grundlingh expounded on the latest situation of
18 accredited AIA’s, with 3 applications in the pipeline. Of
concern is the fact that ± 170 RLI’s are registered with
ECSA, which was already low for our country’s needs. She
reminded the meeting that to be able to inspect and issue
Annex ‘B’ comprehensive reports, the OHSAct amend-
ments require you to be SANAS accredited.
A protracted discussion took place where it was openly
stated of RLI’s inspecting and issuing Annex B’s. Mr Hlaks
Monyaki would most assuredly like to receive their names,
which no one present was willing to reveal. Willem du Toit
also requested the Meeting to advise their annexure inspec-
tion problems to Linda at SANAS … and please not to him
as he has no authority to do anything about it!
Department of Labour (DoL)
Mr Hlaks Monyaki was very complimentary of the work
carried out in general by the AIA’s, where it was obvious
that a new level of professionalism has set in. As regards
issuing of new lift and escalator registration numbers, he
confirmed that DoL were experiencing problems in the vari-
ous provincial regions. He however requested inspectors to
deal with their respective Provincial Office but to copy him
on any communication where satisfaction is not forthcom-
ing.
2015-16 Financial Report
In the absence of Treasurer David Kleinhans, Dr Theo
Kleinhans read the financial audited Report for the previous
year. Although income had reduced somewhat, the Associa-
tion’s finances were still in a healthy state. This however
necessitates a 10% increase from the current R780 annual
subs, to R860 effective 1st March 2017. Bear in mind that
ECSA RLI subscriptions are discounted by at least this
amount when paying your ECSA subs, provided that your
ILIASA subs are paid up.
A motion was passed to retain the auditors of Déidre Layzell
and Associates. A special vote of thanks was also passed for
Bonnie Peden for her continued sterling efforts in her pro-
fessional administration as National Secretary of ILIASA.
ILIASA Eastern Cape Chairperson
Brandon Brown having been formally nominated, was duly
elected unanimously as Chairperson of ILIASA in the East-
ern Cape. He replaces the Late Graham Mould, who served
the association and Industry with distinction for the past
almost two decades.
Bonnie was requested to inform ECSA accordingly since
Brandon’s appointment impacts on our LIASA recognition
by ECSA as a Voluntary Association under the Engineering
Professions Act No.46 of 2000.
General Discussion
A protracted discussion covered the variuos points raised,
including …
Mickey Martin’s query on the ‘Part Qualifications of
QCTO’
Robert Mpai’s proposal of ‘Inspection Stickers’ inside Lift
Cars, like the 1941 Act ‘Registration Certificates’ in framed
protective Perspex inside lift cars
Robert Mpai’s questioning of DoL’s corrective action on
non-compliance reports and follow-up failure by lift ser-
vice providers
Dr Kleinhans’ request for hands-on training at Mickey’s
centre of inspection speciality testing like over-speed gov-
ernors on the latest lift equipment, which ILIASA could
promote and subsidise
Dr Kleinhans’ disappointment at the number of really
senior AIA and consultants who were individually invited
to attend, but refrained from doing so. He questioned as to
what has happened to ‘MAKING A DIFFERENCE’?
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Page 4
LIFT INSPECTOR PHOTOGRAPHIC PORTFOLIOS
On a recent inspection trip to Cape Town, we had the privi-
lege of visiting this outstanding latest state-of-the-art lift
equipment installed by independent service provider Nu-
Line. The quality of this observation lift is equal to the view
of Cape Town seen here. What a blessing (or is that reward?)
it must be to live in such an apartment block at Sea Point,
with such views every day of your retired life?
Willem du Toit’s portfolio delivers this very rare photo
(below) of a paternoster which he inspected in a grain silo in
Pretoria. It is apparently now decommissioned following a
serious accident there a few years ago on which Willem was
called in to assist. The photo views from an upper floor
downwards. It indicates the ‘floor’ that one stands on which
is fixed to an endless conveyor, and the ‘handle’ which one
grips to steady yourself. Having been to this installation, we
reacon it to be at least 60m tall, the equivalent of a 20-story
building.
In our October issue of Educom,
we featured Mitsubishi’s ‘Shanghai
Towers’ lift, commissioned to run
at 20,5 m/s … the world’s fastest
passenger lift. We requested more
detail.
Seen here is the wind-tunnel tested
‘bullet-like’ lift car which cuts
down wind resistance and opera-
tional noise to the minimum. This
allows the lift to travel from 2nd
basement to 119th floor in just 53
seconds. Thanks to Peter Murray
for this very pertinent information.
We were surprised to find this latest hydraulic drive lift in
Cape Town, and a direct acting unit to boot. We probably
became too accustomed to the old GMV and Beringer indi-
rect hydraulic drives in Gauteng. We accordingly requested
Paul Clark of Nu-Line to take this photo, which he duly sent
last week. Serving three floors and 10 persons, this observa-
tion lift is something to really be proud of. Apparently it is
STILL less costlier to install a hydraulic than an MRL, since
building height with lift over-run was an absolute critical
requirement on this installation - the speed was not critical.
2015 OHSAct Amendments
Are you aware that only an AIA inspector may inspect
and issue an Annex ‘B’ comprehensive report? Any
RLI now issuing an Annex ‘B’ without the mandate
and control of an AIA, does so illegally.
‘IGNORANCE OF THE LAW IS NO EXCUSE!’
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Page 5
Eugene Fereira sent us this photo of a 60-year old installa-
tion, still running in its original condition without any bene-
fit of an upgrade. Eugene states …
“The service technicians over the years had pride in
their work, for them to keep this motor room equip-
ment in such a mint condition. Old technology and
still running without bridged wires. Certainly needs
to be done in this day and age. Just goes to shows
that the oldies (like Schindler) manufactured good
lifting equipment that lasts! It’s however sad to
think that this old equipment will soon have to be
dismantled and dumped at the scrap dealers as they
are going to be replaced with new lifts. Just shows
you that ‘maintenance’ is a vital part of the pro-
jected life of anything in the world. Maintain your
health and you will live longer; Maintain you equip-
ment and you will not need to use the stairs”.
Below is Tubby Brown’s photo of a not-so-old goods hoist
where the service provider allegedly does little else than
sign the record book every month. The photo tells it own
service-less story, but the service provider is quick to com-
plain if they do not get paid.
LIFT INSPECTOR COURSES 2016/7
Mariska Swart of TUT has advised us to please
take note, that …
the course commencing 7-11 November
2016 is fully booked - No cancellations.
There will be courses scheduled for 2017,
for which we have not yet received the dates
All the information and prices will however be
the same for 2017, only the dates will differ.
Tel: +27 12 382-5164 E-mail: [email protected]
With lift inspection it is as important to praise good product
and service quality as it is to lament on poor service. Our
personal reports have specifically focused on this regard
over the past two decades. An earlier Educom issue focus-
sed on Otis bench-mark installations in Welkom and PE.
The below photo reflects an Otis service-installation in-
spected last week in PE … but the equipment is
‘Express’, installed nearly 30 years ago. Just goes to
show that … if you service a good product properly … it
looks like this below … We phoned manager Carlos de
Oliveira and his service technician to thank them for such a
clean installation, which certainly makes our job easier.
We carried out Annex ‘B’ inspections on the below
Schindler installation this week. What a revelation to walk
onto this installation where the service technician has been
replaced a few months ago. You immediately realise that
this Jaco is a technician who still takes pride in his work.
The motor room had been vacuumed, as also the top of the
car, and the shaft was as clean. Bearing in mind that this
was a 40-year old installation, upgraded a few years ago,
but allowed to deteriorate the past year. It certainly now
ranks as a bench-mark installation, which Schindler will
have to maintain. We phoned manager Henk Peyper to
thank him and Jaco for such a spotless installation.
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Page 6
FROM WILLEM DU TOIT’S DESK - ‘Rope Failures’
KNOWLEDGE of the OHSACT by LIFT SERVICE PROVIDERS
AIA’s quite consistently inspect lifts where the contracted service provider has taken short-cuts, not being compliant to
the latest regulatory and standards requirements. To exacerbate the situation ‘inspectors’ examine and test these instal-
lations and issue Annex ‘A’ commissioning reports and Annex ‘B’ comprehensive reports. With the current focus on
registration, inspection and regulatory compliance, anomalies are being discovered where these lifts are allowed to run.
In almost every instance the service provider claims ignorance of the particular regulation and/or standard. The OH-
SAct and SANS standards are very clear in their requirement … ignorance of the Law can be no excuse!
Sometimes we can experience component failure where we just accept the failure without an in-depth investigation into ex-
actly WHY the failure occured. I investigated three cases where suspension ropes broke just above the rope sockets ...
At first I was of the opinion that the ropes were overheated during socketing, but in 2013 I took a closer look at a broken rope
at Shorburg Building in Pretoria and I realised that in all cases, there were common factors of ...
It was always just one rope broken, and on investigation, the other ropes in that set or group of ropes,
had no damage at the sockets,
The groove on the drive sheave in which the broken rope was running, was worn to below the undercut
of the groove,
The ropes were always found broken on the counterweight-side and not on the car-side,
The ropes only had tension springs on the car side and not on the counterweight side of the rope-ends ...
The photo right shows the badly worn number 1 sheave
groove. In the good old days I was taught that you look
from the car side towards the counterweight when num-
bering ropes or sheave grooves – this way there will be a
universal numbering method. You stand the same way
when you take a photo of ropes or sheaves. Looking at
groove number 2 (blue) you can see there is no undercut
(worn away) and the rope had been removed - probably
also broken. Looking at groove number 4 (white), you
see this groove is also worn down considerably.
Looking at the ropes … you can see they are bone dry,
as well as the metal filing dust (yellow arrow) from
the ropes wearing the sheave grooves. This is the main
reason for grooves to wear fast if the rope tensions are
not balanced very close to the same.
The photo left shows how 4 of the strands broke off just
above the rope socket and then the other four strands pulled
through the socket. Note that the strands that pulled through
were also almost broken off.
This reflects a serious ‘incident’ about to happen, and not
picked up by the serviceman when he carried out his 6-
monthly rope inspections.
(Editor : Wonder what rope report he logged and if in fact he
carried out a proper inspection? - Servicemen generally just
do not understand the gravity of having to carry out these
inspections … to him it’s just a chore) (Continued on Page 9)
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Page 7
Since at least the introduction of the OHSAct in 1994, has the
DoL applied a 60-day corrective action time constraint on any
Repair or Prohibition Order.
Today we are consistently perplexed by the apparent inepti-
tude of the lift service provider companies, especially the
multi-nationals, who complain about the 60-day turn-around
time to rectify any stated Annex ‘B’ non-compliances within
the regulatory 60 days. As stated so many times before, items
such as rope replacements that may take more than 60-days,
requires notification to DoL for exemption from the 60-day
requirement, which at least places this officially on record.
Please see the DoL-released “Guidelines for Lift, Escalator
and Passenger Conveyor Regulations” which explains in
simple language the provisions of the OHSAct pertaining to
lifts and escalators.
Educom consistently voices the concerns of AIA’s of the ever
-reducing quality of general lift service, which the service
providers in turn blame on the exponentially aging of their lift
installations under contract. Educom is similarly aware of the
poorer trained servicemen, since training budgets have been
cut extensively when compared to say 20 years ago. The fact
that the introduction of ‘Learnerships’ in 1994, as opposed to
‘Apprenticeships’, also introduced lower technically educated
serviceman, albeit deemed competent under the OHSAct defi-
nitions as they received ‘artisan papers’.
Most exacerbating of all, is that Educom hears of the impend-
ing introduction of tiered monthly lift service schedules of a
proposed two major services annually, intersperced with 10
minor services. This takes its rise from the European multi-
nationals that appear to have exploited a loophole in the EN81
(SANS 1545 front-end specification of the internatuional
EN81), which defines ... “MONTHLY INSPECTIONS or
such intervals as may be prescribed by the manufacturer ...
... provided further that such examination and maintenance
shall be as prescribed by the relevant manufacturer”.
This may still be a proposition in 1st World Europe, but most
certainly not in 3rd World South Africa. Our regular travels
overseas bears mute testimony and puts credence to this sup-
position.
With the former (of almost a century’s standing) service as-
sistants being done away with by LEASA under the Metal
Industries’ Collective Bargaining system, lift service must
naturally decline. We have seen service routes rescheduled in
general over the years from an approximate 60 units per
month to 90 units; then 125 and lately 150 units on average.
Considering the Industry postulated 172 hours availability
per month, how much time then gets utilised for active ser-
vice when bringing route travel-time into the equation. Many
serviceman are still charged with carrying out rectification of
their own breakdowns as well as minor repairs.
The lift service providers must be aware that the Property
Owners are aware of this situation and already employing
their own performance-based service contracts against non-
compliance by the contracted service provider, in order to
apply punitive measures for such claimed non-compliance.
Since 1st December 2014 ... Along comes the newly regu-
lated AIA (SANAS authorized inspection authority ex-
empted by DoL) inspectors to carry out Annex ‘B’ compli-
ance inspections, regularly issuing non-compliances on their
Annex ‘B’ comprehensive reports. Informal discussions at
the recent ILIASA AGM indicates a default of approxi-
mately 75% (3 out of 4 annexures issued logging non-
compliances). So it appears to be a fait accompli that lift
service providers who are paid to keep the contracted lifts up
to regulatory compliance, now do what they are paid to do!
This must be further cause for concern
for the Lift and Escalators portfolio owners.
60-DAY NON-COMPLIANCE CORRECTIVE ACTIONS …
QUALIFICATION TO INSPECT and ISSUE ANNEX ‘B’
COMPREHENSIVE REPORTS on LIFTS, ESCLATORS and MOVING WALKS
It is again necessary to inform the South African Lift Industry that effective from 1st December 2014, only an AIA
inspector who has exemption from DoL, may carry out Annex ‘B’ inspections and issue the relevant comprehen-
sive report. For this benefit the AIA has met very stringent ISO/IEC 17020:2012 accreditation requirement de-
manded by SANAS under ‘The Accreditation for Conformity Assessment Calibration and Good Laboratory Prac-
tice Act No.19 of 2006’. Secondly, being SANAS compliant, the AIA is only then granted a ‘Scope of Approval’ by
the Department of Labour and issued a ‘Schedule of Accreditation Facility’ number to practice as an AIA. If any
RLI does not have this number on a DoL certificate … then he may not issue a comprehensive report on any lift,
escalator or moving walk - To do so becomes a criminal offence, punishable under Criminal Law.
NB!
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Page 8
NON-COMPLYING SERVICE PROVIDERS
A spinoff from our recent ILIASA AGM, is the focus on lift
service providers who consistently appear to ignore the regula-
tory and standards requirements in their daily service routine,
repairs, modifications and even new installations. A positive
outcome is the circulating e-mails amongst some of the senior
members, discussing these shortcomings. As Ms Linda Grund-
lingh stated at the AGM … not only has the new SANAS ac-
creditation of AIA’s brought about a new professional ap-
proach on inspection, it has also spotlighted a new focus on the
regulatory and standards compliance by the service providers.
Claims by service providers that they were ignorant
of the requirements when they carried out their re-
cent modification or new lift installation ... can no
longer be acceptable.
Writing to Sanjeev Singh and Willem du Toit for a more defini-
tive explanation to place in the Educom, we received the fol-
lowing reply from Sanjeev which best encapsulates the legal
responsibility for any lift service provider company …
“The function of an inspection body (AIA) is to confirm
the compliance of the work done by a service provider.
The obvious implication is that the service provider
should be thoroughly versed on the regulatory require-
ments, as the regulations are explicit regarding the obli-
gations of the service provider.
Taking into account that all matters regarding lifts fall
within a regulatory environment (with the Act and in-
corporated Regulations readily available via a public
domain), ignorance of the regulatory requirements
clearly cannot be used as a justification/mitigation for
the defence of shortcomings. Perhaps the ignorance
factor is more aligned to literacy, or more appropriately,
the lack of it?
Again, this is my personal view.”
How often must we repeat it that …
“IGNORANCE OF THE LAW IS NO EXCUSE”
RISK ASSESSMENT
With the focus of AIA’s this year on installation non-
compliances and the new reporting requirements, defensive
counterclaims have become quite regular.
The first inference is that these lifts and escalators were installed
under the old 1941 Factories Act or even more lately under the
1984 MOSAct. We have reported on this previously, but restate
that current inspections have to be compared or measured
against the regulations and standards. Willem and Sanjeev have
regularly reiterated that any installation that was compliant un-
der the previous Act, is deemed to be compliant to the latest
published regulations and standards. They will however under
the same discussion, inform you that ‘Risk Assessment’ was
introduced exactly for that reason where a safety-gap was ex-
perienced in the regulations and/or standards. Any AIA in-
specting an existing aged installation today, has to mark the
applicable Act on his check-sheet. This gives the yardstick
from which he must evaluate his inspection. “Deemed to com-
ply” falls by the wayside when the AIA encounters a risky or
dangerous situation. SANS 14798:2009 gives him a clear as-
sessment of any risk’s reduction methodology. Bringing SANS
1545:1(2015) into the equation, the AIA now requires correc-
tive action (for eg) of the following recent risks encountered:
Fitting a safety hand-rail to the top of the car
Fitting a Cwt protective screen in the pit
Fitting an intercom from the lift car to an acceptable
point where any entrapment, especially after hours, be
communicated
Replacing old Bakelite emergency stop-switches with
new push-pull type … etc, etc to prove our point.
The latest OHSAct clearly states that an AIA may call for such
a modification to existing equipment in order to reduce the risk
factor. Obviously the service provider will need the Owner to
pay for this stated non-compliance. The Act then closes the
quality loop by stating that the corrective action must be to the
satisfaction if the AIA involved.
The need for the non-compliance rectification is not contested,
but more often the comprehensive report wording and commu-
nication to the service provider and Owner. Sanjeev has ex-
plained ad nauseum that the AIA’s first report obligation is to
the owner, and out of courtesy to the contracted service pro-
vider. AIA’s must therefore be careful as to how they log the
non-compliance. If very dangerous, mark it as a 5.1 or 5.2
item, but very often recording it as a comment and following
up with your written report and the rationale of your risk as-
sessment and the importance of reducing the risk … will
achieve a more positive result and support from all concerned.
GUIDELINE FOR LIFT & ESCALATOR
REGULATIONS, 2009
These guidelines were published as a support to the 2010 OH-
SAct amendments, to explain in simple language, the provi-
sions of the Act and to stress the principle of self-regulation.
The Guidelines make it much easier for owners and their fa-
cilities managers who may not be lift-orientated, to understand
the regulations and standards in what is required from them.
Unambiguously the Act at all times holds the Owner responsi-
ble, notwithstanding the fact that they deputed their right to a
preferred lift service provider under contract.
Absolutely most important is that “… no person shall put
into use or require or permit the use of a lift … unless that
person is in possession of a valid comprehensive report is-
sued … by an inspection service provider (AIA)!”
LIFT INDUSTRY INSPECTION COMPLIANCE
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Page 9
(Continued from Page 6)
This incident happened due to a worn groove on the drive
sheave, which in turn was the result of a combination of the
following factors:
Rope tensions not balanced correctly,
Rope not lubricated sufficiently and NO tension
springs fitted on the counterweight side.
To explain in layman’s terms when the above requirements
are not met, the following happened ...
When rope tensions are not the same, the slack rope will
run high in its groove on the drive sheave, due to less con-
tact pressure,
As the sheave rotates, more of the slack rope will be fed
over the sheave due to the larger circumference of the posi-
tion where this rope runs,
More slack will build up on the side to where the rope is
fed and the rope will get tighter on the side from where it is
fed,
Because of the excessive slack on the one side the contact
pressure is reduced and this rope jumps or generally slides
back in the sheave groove.
The dryer the rope the more cutting or grinding effect
there will be between rope and sheave and the faster the
groove and rope will wear,
With no tension springs on the rope sockets, there is no
compensation for variances in the rope tensions.
Also when the rope jumps back in the groove, it causes a
whip effect (vibration) in the rope, which ends at the rope
socket
With no springs on the Cwt rope sockets, there is no vibra-
tion damper and the area where the rope enters the socket
absorbs the vibration and due to metal fatigue the ropes
fail … as seen in the photo below!
For those competent lift mechanics who do not know
how to check rope tensions – If you stand on top of a 2:1
roped car and at the 2:1 pulley, you see the one rope is
swinging in the wind or it does not hang straight, then
you can be sure THAT one is slack, as indicated in the
photo above.
(Editor : Note the dust and lack of house-keeping on this
installation … just more proof of poor service quality!)
FROM WILLEM du TOIT’S DESK - Rope failures
KENNIS van die BEROEPSVEILIGHEIDSWET DEUR DIENSVERSKAFFERS
Dit word alom betreur dat die Suid Afrikaanse hyser diensverskaffers nie die nodige ag slaan op die regulatoriese
en standaarde bepalings nie. Al is dit staatskoerant gepubliser met bepalings onder vaandel van Kriminelereg, ve-
rontagsaam hierdie diensverskaffers in die algemeen tot ’n meerdere of mindere mate hierdie wetsbepalings. Hulle
verskoning in die algemeen is ’n skuiling agter die skans van onkunde. Hoeveel keer moet ons verkondig dat …
ONKUNDE van die Wet nie ’n verskoning in die Geregshof is nie!
Recognised Voluntary Association in terms of Section 36(1) of the Engineering Professions Act . Educom fulfills a requirement for Continued Professional Development as specified in the Act No.46 of 2000
Page 10
EKSPONENSIËLE VERSWAKKENDE HYSERDIENS in RSA
Die ‘Fees must Fall’ en ‘Weg met Westerse Wetenskap’ wat die studente tans opper is net ’n insae in die opvoedkundige
gedagtes van die studente. Hoe ookal besin, is dit afbrekend vir ons Afrikanerkultuur. Studente wil nou kwansuis hulle
eie tegniese kennis vervaardig. Ek dink aan Newton se klassieke atoomfisika wat sê hoe swaartekrag maak dat die kos-
mos met al sy planete en sterre nie inmekaar tuimel nie. Ek dink aan al die formulie wat ons onder die knie moes kry,
maar welluswaar bo uitgekom het. Nou wil die hedendaagse student dit saam met die baba se badwater by die agterdeur
uitsmyt!
Kwantumfisika en wiskunde was nog altyd vir my ’n uitdaging. Daar is iets onbepaalds; iets onvoorspelbaars wat mee-
bring dat hierdie wetenskaplike sekerheidsbeginsels wat ek moes aanleer, nie hedendaags meer so empiries toegepas
word nie. Ons natuur is geneig om dit te wil afwater. Hierdie soort geklikheid bekommer my geweldig want ek sien
hoedat die Suid Afrikaanse hyser diensverskaffers die Romeins-Hollandse geregtelike standaarde ignoreer, of poog om
te ignoreer. Hyserwetsguru en kollega Willem du Toit opper nou die dag dat as hy nie meer lag nie, hy andersins gaan
huil - ’n Merwaardige opsomming van ons hyser scenario. Ons hyser industrie kan nie sommer unilateraal ’n streep
trek deur rasionaliteit, ingenieurs-wetenskap, Newton en sulke tegnologië nie. Die pilare van kennis en keerwalle van
rasionaliteit moet darem nog bly staan, anders vaal ons in ons bestaansreg as mens.
Die huidige hekeling van die studente op die inversiteite se kampusse is net ’n verspotting en ideologiese foefie. Ons
het juis universiteit bygewoon om die beste kennis te kry wat ons kon bekostig en wat ons breine kon verwerk. Om nou
die skade van dekolonialisme en apartheid te wil herstel deur af te breek beryk niks nie. Ons weet dat gepaste onder-
riginhoud, navorsing en ’n verteenwoordigende personeelkorps op die universiteiet die saak kan beredder.
‘n Basiese erstejaars onderrig op universiteit het juis daarop gedui dat die studente hul eie self moet leer verstaan al-
vorens hul sodeonde die wêreld kan aanpak. Soortgelyk kan ons hyser diensverskaffers nie hul eie standaarde fabriseer
en in isolasie wil toepas nie. Die soms meerwaardige, smalende en neerhalende meewerking wat ons ontvang is baie
onrusbarend. Daarom pas ons ’n morele grondslag toe wat poog om ons nuusartikels in ons eie Edukom te onderstreep.
Soos met die studente, meen ons dat die hyser diensverskaffers hul eie veronderstelde selfkritiese rasionaliteit ter suide
moet stel en gehoor gee aan die wetsvereistes wat hulle reeds kontraktueel onderneem het om toe te pas.
“It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think that you are a fool,
than to open it and remove all doubt.” Mark Twain
SANAS 3rd
Surveillance Assessment - Willem du Toit
One would think that by your third assessment there should be no more non-conformances, but in my case it was not true. I
found myself improving my methods of operation, but I did not update all the relevant policies and procedures sufficiently
at the same time in my management system.
We also tend not to keep up to date with new developments in our field and here I want to pre-warn inspection bodies on
the following requirements:
Make sure that you are in possession of the latest standards and that you use the latest revision of Annex
Certificates in your inspections …
Make sure that you have proof that you sent the Annex Certificates to the relevant users (Owners) …
Make sure that you have proof of your follow-up inspections to ensure correction to full compliance …
Make sure that you have proof that you reported lifts to the DoL Provincial Directorate where the defects
were not completed after the regulated 60 days.
Something else to keep in mind …
Make sure that you revise your policies and procedures ... especially where it involves your impartiality,
risks and objectives
Make sure that you do internal audits: system, vertical and witnessing!
Reprinted from the October Educom because of the gravity of the assessment findings …
Prevention is better than Cure!
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Page 11
LIASA CONTACT DETAILS
Bonnie Peden - National Executive Secretary
Office: (011) 907-0133 - Telefax: (011) 907-0131
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website Address: www.iliasa.org.za
PO Box 531, Alberton, 1450
LIASA in 1995, to qualify for ECSA (Engineering Council) recognition as a ‘Voluntary Association’ (VA - Article 21 Association), formal Arti-cles of Association were required, along with a formalized membership struc-ture. These were drawn up by founder members Dr Theo Kleinhans and Steve le Roux. Steve was elected as Chairman of the National Executive Commit-tee in Gauteng, with Theo as Executive Secretary-Treasurer; Mike Russell as Regional Chairman Western Cape and Graham Mould as Regional Chair-man Eastern Cape. Natal and the Free State were vacant at that time.
The LIASA membership has regrettably reduced to 145 paid-up mem-bers, possibly due to the curtailing forces of the SANAS accreditation.
New LIASA membership cards have again been issued to all payed up members. Please check with Bonnie if you have not received your latest card, making sure that you are indeed paid up. Remember that proof has to be retained in case you are called on to present them to ECSA. Membership of LIASA ensures an ECSA subscription rebate more than equal to the LIASA subscription, being a motivator to engender or retain LIASA membership. □
EDUCOM COMMUNICATIONS
Educom’s contact logistics, where you speak to …
The Editor - Bonnie Peden
Office: (011) 907-0133
Telefax: (011) 907-0131
E-mail: [email protected]
PO Box 531, Alberton, 1450
Please forward us your newsworthy articles and photos for dis-
sémination to all our colleagues around the RSA.
Articles contributed to Educom are evaluated by ECSA as CPD, assisting you to achieve your minimum 5 points per year, avera-ged out over 5-year rolling periods. Remember that …
« Ignorance of FACT is NO excuse
for any stated non-compliance »
« Liberty means responsibility -
That is why most men dread it »
George Bernard Shaw
We are on the Web - go to … www.iliasa.org.za
The web is maintained by LIASA Chairman Sanjeev Singh for the members’ benefit
CONSULTANT LIFT ENGINEER
NEW ‘POOR SERVICE’ &
‘DANGEROUS SITUATION’ WEB
Immediate past LIASA chairman Sanjeev Singh originally
set up and now maintains our LIASA website as a free ser-
vice to our members.
We have for several years been discussing at the general
LIASA meetings, the need for a system to record through
examples of on-site photos where situations indicate an ab-
solute lack of service, possibly to the point of being danger-
ous. Articles by Ronnie Branders and Willem du Toit in the
December issue high-lighted this claimed poor service.
You are hereby requested to assist us by building up
such a LIASA web library by sending your photos di-
rect to Sanjeev at ... [email protected].
All submissions will be treated in the strictest of confidence.
We anticipate a short technical description with each photo
to highlight the suggested regulatory, standards or safety
non-compliance. Please treat this as serious, for we need
your inputs.
LIASA WEBSITE
We are aware that several RLI’s call themselves
‘Lift Consultants’, ‘Lift Engineers’ and even
‘Consultant Lift Engineers’. If you are not registered
with ECSA in the title or cadre that you claim, this
is misrepresentation and subject to investigation by
ECSA’s Legal Team if reported. Webster’s Com-
plete Reference Dictionary defines consultant engi-
neer as one who councils at a professional level in
any branch of accepted engineering practice.
It has become common practice to call a commis-
sioning technician or tester, a ‘Field Engineer’. A
visit to ECSA’s offices today, determined that this is
technically incorrect if you are not registered in that
cadre of engineering. Several RLI’s have been regis-
tered at ECSA as Pr Techni Eng or professional
technician cadre. A handful of RLI’s are registered
as Pr Cert. Eng, placing them in the Government
certificated cadre. A handful are registered as Pr
Tech Eng, putting them into the professional tech-
nologist level, but technically still not an engineer.